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Mupirocin: a new topical antibiotic
1Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104.
Abstract:
One hundred fifty-three strains of Staphylococcus aureus recovered from infected eczema frequently demonstrated resistance to multiple antibiotics. Penicillin and ampicillin resistance was extremely frequent (88%), methicillin resistance was found in nearly 14% of strains, and erythromycin and tetracycline resistance was present in 16%. S. aureus strains were uniformly sensitive to vancomycin, mupirocin, and cephalosporins. Experimental infections in human volunteers showed topical therapy with 2% mupirocin was more effective than oral erythromycin in suppression of both S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is common in eczema, but topical mupirocin effectively suppressed infections in human volunteers. This highlights potential treatment strategies for bacterial skin infections.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen in infected eczema.
- Antibiotic resistance in S. aureus poses a significant challenge in treating skin infections.
- Previous studies indicate varying resistance patterns of S. aureus to common antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from infected eczema.
- To compare the efficacy of topical mupirocin versus oral erythromycin in treating experimental S. aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes infections in human volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on 153 S. aureus strains from infected eczema.
- Experimental skin infections were established in human volunteers.
- Topical 2% mupirocin and oral erythromycin therapies were administered and compared for efficacy.
Main Results:
- High rates of resistance were observed for penicillin (88%), ampicillin (88%), erythromycin (16%), and tetracycline (16%).
- Methicillin resistance was found in nearly 14% of S. aureus strains.
- All tested S. aureus strains were sensitive to vancomycin, mupirocin, and cephalosporins. Topical mupirocin was more effective than oral erythromycin in suppressing S. aureus and S. pyogenes.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus strains from infected eczema exhibit significant multi-drug resistance.
- Vancomycin, mupirocin, and cephalosporins remain effective treatment options.
- Topical mupirocin demonstrates superior efficacy over oral erythromycin for managing S. aureus and S. pyogenes skin infections.